In this activity we’ll discover the relationship between electricity and magnetism and find out just what makes a motor work. The electric motor converts electric energy into mechanical energy. It also converts mechanical energy into electrical energy (a generator). A motor and a generator are very similar. The motor uses electric energy to spin, and a generator is spun to produce electric energy. This is a Direct-Current Motor.

Generator Armature Brushes AC DC Motor Electromagnet Inertia Voltage Amperage Resistance Open circuit Short circuit Closed circuit Vocabulary Record your definitions on work sheet

How to build the motor: Using the 3 1/2” wide stock cut length to 4”. Layout and drill pilot holes for screws. (per teacher instructions) Shape the edges. Sand all surfaces, making sure you sand with the grain. Finish with shellac. Mount battery holder. Attach clips to base. Attach battery holder to base. Using pre-cut copper wire, scrape 1/2” off each end. Bend and attach to clips per teacher instructions. Make armature. Sand brushes as per teacher instruction. Test for movement with magnet. After your motor starts spinning, adjust for speed.

Sand only half of the brush Sand all of the brush How to sand the brushes

How it Works